Peter Mustaki Cary, 83

Family PhotoPeter Mustaki Cary, 2009 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Native Staten Islander Peter Mustaki Cary, 83, a World War II veteran and a retired vice president of Paramount Pictures who hobnobbed with celebrities, died Nov. 4 at his home in Monte Carlo, Monaco.

From a young age, Mr. Cary knew he wanted a career in the entertainment industry. After serving in the Army in Okinawa and Korea during World War II, Mr. Cary attended drama school in Manhattan.

He quickly landed a job at NBC and appeared in many television programs.

Mr. Cary would soon be associated with Desilu Productions, the company owned by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and Screen Gems before finding his way to Paramount Pictures. Mr. Cary considered Lucille Ball a dear friend and often dined with celebrities and heads of state, including the president of France and David Linley, the nephew of the Queen of England, according to his family.

A Westerleigh native, he is a descendant of the Cary family, which traces its roots on Staten Island to the 1600s. Cary Avenue in West Brighton is named for them.

Mr. Cary’s work took him to locales around the United States, including Florida, Oklahoma and California. He lived in London for 30 years when he was in charge of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Paramount.

He retired in the 1990s and moved to Monaco 10 years ago. He continued to maintain homes in London and Manhattan.

Mr. Cary was a graduate of PS 30 in Westerleigh and Port Richmond High School.

In 1994, his yacht, Half Moon, was named one of the five most beautiful sailing yachts in the world by the magazine Yacht Premiere.

Surviving are his wife of 10 years, the former Jean Pullen; two sons, Chris and Craig; his daughter, Pamela Cary; his brother, Cary Mustaki; two sisters, Dawn Tanaka and Lilian Popp; six grandchildren, and his first wife, the former Renee Scialem.

Burial was in the chapel of Cimetiere de Monaco. A memorial service is being planned for a later date.